Railway car body construction means



Nov. 10, 1959 H. B. MARTIN ETAL 2,911,933

RAILWAY CAR BODY CONSTRUCTION MEANS Filed Oct. 28, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 0 Awe Inveniors Howard B. Martin K: Dale WJMarttn Al'im'ncy Nov. 10, 1959 H. B; MARTIN ETAL 2,911,933

RAILWAY CAR BODY CONSTRUCTION MEANS Filed Oct. 2a, 1953 5 Sheets-Shet 2 lnveni'or's Howard B.Martin 1 Dale W J.M rh'n/ ttorney Nov. 10, 1959 H. B. MARTIN ETAL 2,911,933

RAILWAY CAR BODY CONSTRUCTION MEANS Filed Oct. 28. 1953 v 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 lnvengors Howard B. Martin 82 Dale W JMarfin Attorney Nov. 10, 1959 H. B. MARTIN EI'AL ,9

RAILWAY CAR BODY CONSTRUCTION MEANS Filed Oct. 28, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 1L lnvenions T; Howard B.Martin/ &Dale WJMari'in 1959 H. MARTIIN ETAL 2,911,933

RAILWAY CAR BODY CONSTRUCTION MEANS Filed Oct. 28, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 &Dale W J. Martin y WW United States Patent RAILWAY CAR BODY CONSTRUCTION MEANS Howard B. Martin and Dale W. J. Martin, Butler, Pa., assignors 'to Pullman Incorporated, a corporation of Delaware Application October 28, 1953, Serial No. 388,766

2 Claims. (Cl. 113-99) The present invention relates to a method and means for constructing railway car bodies or the like, and more particularly to such method and means-by which construction is effected with the body parts in invented posi tion for most expeditious fabrication.

By the method of the invention, separate side wall subassemblies and end wall subassemblies, each including a bottom sill for connection to the underframe, are brought into the relation they are to occupy in the completed body, but in inverted position, and their adjacent ends are tack-welded or otherwise secured together. A bottom subassembly of center sill, cross members, and floor members is disposed in inverted position on the sills of the connected wall subassemblies and tack-welded or otherwise secured thereto, access to both the interior and exterior of the walls and bottom being provided for the securing operation. The subassemblies may be pressed or clamped to assure close contact of the parts for securement'. The body so assembled in inverted position may then be handled as a unit for further operations to provide a completed car. One embodiment of the apparatus or clamping fixture of this invention for constructing open-topped railway car bodies with sloping sides and ends is illustrated as comprising an open framework on which the side and end walls are supported, in inverted position, in retangular arrangement with each inclined as in the completed body. Pivoted side and end frames are provided to swing toward and from the framework, which carry means for forcibly engaging the walls to assure proper alignment and close contact thereof for secu-rement. Downwardly acting clamps are mounted on the frames to engage suitable portions of a body bottom supported in inverted position on the sill portions of the inverted walls and apply clamping pressure to assure close contact therebetween and prevent possible shifting. The pivoted frames are swung toward and from the framework by means of pneumatic cylinders, the clamps projecting over the bottom upon inward swinging of the frames and being retracted clear of the bottom and walls when the frames are swung outwardly. A hose or similar expansible tube inflatable by compressed air is arranged to act simultaneously on lever arms of the clamps on each frame for applying clamping pressure. A pit or similar passageway extending from outside the framework affords access to the interior of the framework under the body walls supported thereby, so that both the inner and outer surfaces of the body parts on the framework may be reached at all times.

The invention results in simplification and minimization of assembling, supporting, securing, and handling operations in the construction of railway car bodies and the like. It provides safe, facile, and expeditious means and procedure for the construction of such bodies which integrate smoothly with the fabrication and assembly of other parts in the manufacture of complete structures. The invention also practically eliminates faulty positioning or securement of the body parts and thus avoids delays and wasteof materials. Further, it effects a very substantial reduction in the time and labor required in the construction of car bodies or the like and by speeding the construction enables employment of associated manufacturing facilities to maximum advantage.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and means for constructing railway car bodies or the like which provide for the assembly and securement of the parts in inverted position to eifect most expeditious construction.

Another object is the provision of a method and means for constructing railway car bodies or the like in inverted position while aifording ready access to both the interior and exterior thereof for proper securement of the parts.

Another object is the provision of a method and apparatus for constructing railway car bodies or the like in inverted position to afford safety, facility, and speed in securement of the parts.

Another object is the provision of a method of con structing railway car bodies or the like by which the parts are located and supported in inverted position and secured together in such position so that assembly and securement of the parts are rendered easy and safe of accomplishment.

Another object is the provision of apparatus for constructing railway car bodies or the like which holds the parts securely in inverted position for securement together in such position so as to facilitate and make safe and rapid the assembly operation.

Still another object is the provision of a method and means for constructing railway car bodies or the like in inverted position to minimize the handling operations necessary and the time required thereby.

A further object is the provision of -a method and means for construction of railway car bodies or the like which assures proper positioning and secu-rernent of the parts to eliminate waste and delays.

Other and further objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary plan view of the apparatus or clamping fixture of the invention, illustrating the car body parts supported therein;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the clamping fixture of Fig. 1, taken substantially as indicated by the line 2-2 of Fig. 1, but with certain of the body parts removed for clearness;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view longitudinally of the clamping fixture taken substantially as indicated by the line 33 of Fig. l, but with an end frame in retracted position and with the body parts removed;

Fig. 4 is a broken sectional View similar to but taken inwardly of Fig. 3 and illustrating the clamping fixture end opposite to that shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional View of the clamping fixture taken substantially as indicated by the line 5-S of Fig. 1 with the body end wall removed and showing a side frame in retracted position;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of Fig. 5, but showing the side frame in operative position; and

Fig. 7 is an enlarged detail sectional view taken substantially as indicated by the line 7-7 of Fig. 4 and illustrating locating means for longitudinal positioning of the body side wall.

Referring to the drawings, the apparatus or clamping fixture of this invention is shown as employed to form a car body with inclined sides and ends and as comprising a number of base plates 10 anchored to a suitable foundation 11, the majority of which are arranged in parallel relation spaced longitudinally of the fixture so as to extend transversely thereof. At each end of the fixture,

two of the plates extend longitudinally outwardly from the adjacent transverse plate 10, being spaced on opposite sides of the longitudinal center line of the fixture. Two parallel rows of uprights 12 extend longitudinally of the fixture, spaced apart transversely a distance slightly less than the interior width of the bottom of the car body to be constructed on the apparatus. Each is secured on one of the transverse base plates 10, and the uprights of each row are secured at their upper ends to a longitudinal channel member 13 extending along their inner faces. A diagonal brace 14 for each upright extends from the channel member 13 downwardly and inwardly to the base plate. The length of each row of uprights is slightly less than the interior length of the car body at its bottom. Secured to the upper portion of each upright 12 is a gage plate 15 in a plane transverse of the clamping fixture which extends upwardly above the upright and outwardly from its outer face. The gage plates have horizontally aligned upper edge portions 16 providing supporting surfaces and outwardly and downwardly angled portions 17 on their outer edges corresponding to the flare or taper of the side walls of the car body. The inclined or angled edge portions 17 of each row are substantially in the same plane, but those of the gage plates at the ends of each row preferably are offset slightly outwardly of the intermediate angled edge portions so as to provide clearance to accommodate possible irregularities in the body side walls. Each of the gage plates 15 is backed by a vertical brace plate 18 disposed longitudinally and secured on the upright 12 and channel member 13. Positioning plates 19 are provided on the end uprights of both rows, extending outwardly of the ends of the rows from the inner faces of the adjacent brace plates 18 over the channel member 13, with their inner ends secured to the brace plates and channel member and their outer ends somewhat inwardly of the inner ends, transversely of the fixture. The upper edges of the plates 19 are in the same horizontal plane as the upper edge portions 16 of the gage plates 15 to serve as horizontal support surfaces.

Along the sides of the framework provided by the rows of uprights with the longitudinal channels and gage plate structures, and in effect forming a part thereof, are a plurality of vertical locating plates 20 secured on the base plates 10 to extend transversely of the framework. In the present case, a locating plate is provided in the plane of each of the gage plates 15 except one. The locating plates 20 are of substantial height and each has a generally V-shaped cutout therein providing downwardly converging guide edge portions 21, an inclined edge portion 22 extending in the plane of the inclined or angled edge portion 17 of the adjacent gage plate 15, and a supporting edge portion 23 substantially perpendicular to that plane. The plate 20 is strengthened by cross plates at its ends, and may have a horizontal plate or pad interposed between its bottom edge and the base plate 10. The spacing between the upper horizontal surfaces 16 of the gage plates and the supporting edge portions 23 of the locating plates, measured in the plane of the edge portions 16 and 22, is substantially equal to the width or height of the body side wall, and the angle or inclination of edge portions 16 and 22 corresponds to the angle between the bottom and side wall of the body to be constructed in the clamping fixture. A locating stop 25 is provided at each side of the framework for proper positioning of the side walls longitudinally of the clamping fixture, at the upright 12 for the gage plate 15 of which no corresponding locating plate 20 is provided, and preferably at or adjacent the transverse center of the framework. As best shown in Figs. 4 and 7, each stop 25 is formed with a vertical transversely disposed plate 26 secured on the base plate 10 and stiffened by a cross plate at its outer end. A pair of angle members 27 on opposite sides of the plate 26 have a stop plate 28 secured on the horizontally extending upper flanges thereof to bridge over the plate 26, and are pivoted to the plate 26 by a suitable pin 29. The stop plate 28 projects inwardly beyond the plate 26 and has a notch or cutout in its inner end to engage about a convenient projection on the body side wall, for example a side stake thereof.

At each end of the framework are disposed a pair of longitudinally extending vertical supporting plates 30 each cut away at its inner end to provide a supporting edge portion 31 inclined inwardly and downwardly in substantial correspondence to the edge portions 23 of the locating plates 20, and similiarly spaced below the level of the upper edges of the positioning plates 19. Outwardly of one end of the framework is a stop 32 supported on an A-frame 33 formed of a pair of upwardly converging channel members on the longitudinally disposed base plates 10 connected at their upper ends by a transverse channel member, and braced by outwardly extending channel members 34. The stop 32 is located for engagement by the striker on one end of the center sill of the body bottom structure as it is carried into position over the framework, and serves to position the bottom in proper longitudinal relation in the clamping fixture.

At each side of the framework is mounted a pivoting frame 35, parallel to and outwardly of the framework side, and a similar pivoted frame 36 shorter and lower than the frames 35 is provided at each end of the framework. Each of the frames 35 and 36 comprises a plurality of vertical members 37 each extending above one of the base plates 10 and formed of spaced channel members or the like secured together in spaced relation by a strip 38 adjacent the lower ends thereof and a connecting plate 39 adjacent their upper ends which projects outwardly thereof. Vertical plates 40 disposed transversely of the framework are secured on the base plates 10 to extend into the lower ends of the vertical members 37 of the side frames 35, and pins 41 extend through the channels forming the members 37 and through the plates 40 for pivoting the frames to swing toward and from the framework. The end frames 36 are similarly pivoted, but the supporting plates 30 are utilized in place of the plates 40, two vertical members 37 being suificient in the end frames. At their upper ends, the vertical members 37 of each frame are connected by a pair of horizontal channel members 42 extending along the inner and outer faces of the members 37, and by a horizontal top plate 43 extending over the channel members 42 and the ends of the members 37. A series of plates 44 are secured parallel to the top plate 43, extending under the channel members 42 and between the several vertical members 37, so that a rigid horizontal frame member of box section is provided on the vertical members. A hose 45 or the like is disposed on the top plate 43 of each frame, and extends the full length thereof. Over the hose extends a pressure plate 46 to the upper surface of which is welded or otherwise secured an I-beam 47 or similar member, both the plate 46 and I-beam 47 extending substantially the full length of the frame. Pairs of guide rods 48, such as bolts, extend through suitable apertures in the pressure plate 46, top plate 43, the flanges of the outer channel member 42, and plates 44, on opposite sides of the hose 45, to permit movement of the plate 46 and I-beam 47 perpendicularly to the top plate 43 while substantially preventing lateral movement of the hose, pressure plate, and I-beam, as most clearly evident from Figs. 5 and 6. A plurality of clamps 50, 51, and 52 are pivotally mounted on each side frame 35 and a plurality of clamps 53 are mounted on each end frame 36 by means of respective brackets 54, 55, 56, and 57, the brackets extending inwardly and upwardly from the inner horizontal channel member 42 at the vertical members 37. The clamps extend transversely of, or in planes normal to the planes of, the pivoted frames, the side frame clampsthus beingtransverse of the framework. 1 1 t e 6nd frame clamps 53 extending longitudinally thereof. Each of the clamps extends inwardly from its pivot so as to project above a body bottomsupported by the framework when the pivoted frame on which itis mounted is swung toward the framework, but its inner end is brought outward of the located plates -or the supporting plate edge portions 31 when the frame is swung away from the framework, so as to clear the bottom and walls supported by the framework. The various clamps are conveniently made of plate material in appropriate shapes, and are pivoted on variously located axes, for engagement on portions of the body extending to different levels, as hereinafter more fully explained, but each has an integral outward extension bearing on the upper surface of the I-beam 47 as a lever arm. Fixed on each of the brackets at the ends of the side frames, which in this instance are brackets 54 for clamps 50, is a press-ing plate 58 which extends inwardly from the bracket parallel to the clamps for engagement of its inner end against the upper portion of a body side wall supported by the framework, upon inward movement of the side frame 35, to assure proper alignment thereof for securement. The pressing plates 58 may also be provided on the brackets 57 at the ends of the end frames '36 for engagement with the body end walls. Downwardly projecting striking plates 59 are secured to each of the brackets 57 on the end frames for engaging with reinforcements or the like on the end Walls.

Compressed air cylinders 60 are employed for swinging the pivoted frames 35 and 36, each aligned with and having its piston rod 61 'pivotally connected to one of the connecting plates 39 of the vertical members 37 of the frames. While the end frames each have only two vertical members 37, three cylinders 60 are provided for each, the third cylinder being disposed between the two outer or end cylinders. A bracket plate 62 depends from the box section horizontal member of each end frame for pivotal connection of the piston rod of this middle cylinder. Each cylinder 69 is supported on a cradle or saddle 63 formed of a horizontal plate extending under the cylinder with a pair of vertical plates extending upwardly from its side to embrace the cylinder, the cylinders being mounted by the saddles for pivotal movement necessary to accommodate the swinging movement of the frames. The cylinders are mounted on standards 65 secured on the several base plates 10 outwardly of the pivoted frames, each standard comprising a pair of parallel generally triangular supports disposed transversely of the fixture and each formed by a vertical leg 66 and an inclined leg '67, which may be channel members as shown, connected at their upper ends by a gusset plate 68. The lower ends of the legs may also be connected, as by angle members on the base plate 10. The gusset plates are disposed on facing sides of the two supports. At the upper end of each inclined leg 67 there is secured a bearing plate 69 on the face or side opposite that to which the gusset plate 68 is secured and a pivot pin 70 extends through the bearing plate, :leg, and gusset plate of each support to project through the vertical plates of the saddle 63 carrying the cylinder '60 mounted on the standard 65. The saddle and its associated cylinder are thus supported to pivot in the same vertical plane transverse of the clamping fixture as the adjacent vertical member 37 of the frame. The central cylinder 60 for each end frame is pivotally supported on -a horizontal support 71 extending between and secured to the standards 65 for the end cylinders, formed of a channel member 72 disposed with its web horizontal and a channel member 73 secured to the lower face of member 72, which may be braced by suitable gussets 74. A :pair of parallel vertical plates 75 extend from the upper face of member 72 on opposite sides of the cylinder saddle 63 to carry the pivot pins 70 on which the saddle is supported. Compressed air from a suitable source controlled by any appropriate valve arrangement (not Shown) is supplied to and exhausted from the cylinders 60 and the hoses 45, through flexible conduits or hoses 76 or other suitable means. Single-acting cylinders :are employed in the present instance, the pistons being retracted by springs upon release of air from the cylinders, although of course other types or arrangements of cylinders may be used.

The inner framework of the clamping fixture is enclosed by the body walls and bottom during the construction of the body thereon, and to permit securing or other operations on both the interior and exterior of the body parts, means are provided to afford access to the interior of the framework under the body walls supported thereby. This may conveniently take the form of a pit 77 below the level of base plates 10 extending from a point outwardly of the standards 65 to a point well within the inner framework, preferably lined as with boards 78 and sufliciently deep and wide to permit ready passage therethrough without appreciable obstruction by any portion of the clamping fixture or by the body parts supported thereby. As shown, the pit 77 may have its outer bottom portion sloping from adjacent the foundation level to the inner and deepest part of the pit, with means such as a ladder or steps 79' at the inner end for ascent and descent. In the present instance, the pit 77 is shown as extending longitudinally of the clamping fixture between the base plates 10 at one end of the fixture, preferably the end opposite that at which the stop 32 is located, although it may be provided at anydesired location about the fixture.

In general, the clamping fixture is built of steel members suitably welded together to provide maximum strength and rigidity.

The operation of the described means for constructing a car body or the like may best be explained with reference to the body parts as disposed therein. The railway car body is formed of three main components or elements, the bottom, the side walls, and the end'walls, each of which is a unit or subassembly made up of suitable members. The bottom comprises an underframe including a center sill C, bolsters B, crossbearers CB, and other underframe cross members such as fioor beams PB, to which are welded or otherwise secured the floor sheets F forming the bottom proper. Each of the cross members is of more or less conventional construction, the'bolsters having a pair of vertical diaphragms between top and bottom plates, and the crossbearers and floor beams being formed respectively of large and small I-beam sections on opposite sides of the center sill with bottom or tie plates extending under the sill. The floor beams and the ends of the bolsters are of substantially the same height, less than the height of the center sill, While the crossbearers are of substantially the center sill height. Each of the cross members has at its outer ends vertical reinforcement plates depending slightly below the bottom thereof and adapted to lie substantially flush with the lower edges of the side sills. The side wall assembly comprises a side sheet or side wall proper S formed of a plurality of sheet sections welded together, a side sill SS in the form of an angle member of some What more than angularity between its flanges having one flange lapping the outer face of the side wall at the lower edge thereof and welded thereto, and a top chord member T in the form of a bulb angle member welded to the outer face of the side wall at the upper edge thereof. A plurality of side stakes ST of generally channel section are welded to the outside of the side wall S each in position to align with a cross member web or diaphragm of the bottom and extending vertically from the top chord member beyond the side sill .to a level corresponding to the bottom of the cross member. The ends of the side walls are cut away to converge downwardly, and are bent inwardly so that they will lap with the end walls. Each end wall assembly comprises an end .sheet E having an end sill ES similar to the side sill welded to its lower edge and 'a top chord member T welded to its upper edge. Upper and lower horizontal reinforcements R of generally channel section are welded to the end sheet, the ends of which converge downwardly and are bent inwardly to lap over the side walls.

After these subassemblies have been completed, a pair of side wall structures are positioned by'any suitable means, as traveling hoists, on the sides of the inner framework of the clamping fixture, in inverted position, the top chord member T of each first engaging with the guide edge portions 21 of the locating plates 20 at one side of the framework for proper alignment parallel therewith and being guided by the portions 21 to engage on the supporting edge portions 23, after which the side wall structure is tilted inwardly to bring the inner face of the side sheet S into engagement with the inclined surfaces 17 of the gage plates and the correspondingly inclined edge portions 22 of the locating plates, with the inwardly extending flange of the side sill SS engaging horizontally on the upper gage plate surfaces 16, as will be clear from Figs. 1, 5, and 6. The stop plate 28 of the locating stop 25 is swung outwardly during this vertical positioning of the side wall structure or subassembly to allow longitudinal shifting thereof until the central side stake ST of the side wall is brought substantially into transverse alignment with the stop, upon which the plate 28 is swung inwardly to engage against the side stake and drop by gravity into locking engagement therewith as the stake comes into exact alignment with the stop. As evident from Fig. 1, the engagement of the stake in the cutout of the stop plate 28 assures the side wall coming to and being held in proper position longitudinally of the clamping fixture. A pair of end wall subassemblies or structures in inverted position are then brought to position at the ends of the framework, as by means of jib cranes or the like, with the top chord T of each engaging on the edge portions 31 of the sup porting plates 30 at one end and the inwardly extending flange of the end sill ES engaging on the upper edges of the positioning plates 19. As appears from Figs. 1 and 2, the downwardly extending flange of the end sill does not contact the outer edge of the positioning plates 19. Each end wall structure is supported at the proper angle by engagement of the inner face of the end sheet E against the ends of the two side walls, and is brought to properly centered position by the engagement of its inwardly bent ends against the outer faces of the side sheets S. Should there be any binding of the parts, the side frames 35 may be swung inwardly by actuation of the cylinders 60 so that the pressing plates 58 engage the side sills adjacent the ends thereof to force the ends of the side walls inwardly, and the end frame 36 is similarly operated to force the end sheet into place by the pressing action of the plates 58 and striking plates 59 engaging respectively against the end sill ES and the normally lower reinforcement R. The end frame may be used as a mallet to drive the end wall to proper position by actuation of the frame to strike the end wall repeatedly with the plates 58 and 59, if desired or required. After the side and end walls are properly positioned in the clamping fixture, they are clamped in place by the side and end frames, which are swung inwardly to engage the pressing plates 58 and striking plates 59 with the wall structures and thus assure close contact and prevent shifting thereof. Thereupon the end edges of the end sheets E are tackwelded to the outer faces of the side sheets S, and the ends of the side sheets are similarly tack-welded to the inner faces of the end sheets.

After the wall structures have been welded together at the corners of the body, the side and end frames are retracted and an inverted bottom subassembly or structure is brought into position, as by traveling hoists, over the framework. The striker at one end of the center sill is engaged against the stop 3-2 to locate the bottom structure longitudinally in the fixture, and is located transversely or laterally by the inner faces of the side stake portions projecting upwardly beyond the side sills, which guide it into proper position on the sills, onto which it is lowered. Each of the vertical reinforcement plates of the underframe cross members comes into position with its outer face lying against the inner surface of the projecting portion of a side stake, and extends slightly thereabove, as best shown in Figs. 5 and 6. The frames 35 and 36 are then swung inwardly, bringing the plates 58 and 59 against the walls and the inner ends of the clamps over the bottom structure. The clamps 50 and 53 extend over the edges of the floor sheets F at locations clear of the center sill and cross members of the underframe, while the clamps 51 extend over the ends of the crossbearers and the clamps 52 project over the ends of the floor beams and bolsters, two of these clamps being provided to extend over each end of each bolster, as will be evident from Fig. l. The hoses 45 are then inflated, lifting the I-beams 47 to swing the clamps to apply downward pressure on the several parts of the bottom structure so as to assure close contact between the floor sheets and the side and end sills and prevent shifting. The clamps 50 and 53 engage directly on the floor sheets, while the other clamps 51 and 52 engage on the projecting edges of the end reinforcements of the cross members, as shown in Fig. 6. The fioor sheets F are then tack-welded to the side sills SS and end sills ES on both the inner and outer sides or faces, and the cross member end reinforcement plates are welded to the inner surfaces of the side stakes. The spacing location and construction of the gage plates 15 and clamps leave relatively long sections of the body parts clear and easily accessible for welding on both the inside and outside. It is to be noted that the clamps 51 and 52 are formed with small depending lugs at their inner ends. The clamping force applied by the hoses 45 tends to rotate the clamp brackets downwardly and outwardly, and hence to swing the side frames 35 outwardly against the action of the cylinders. The lugs on the clamps engage against the inner surfaces of the projecting portions of the cross member reinforcement plates, so that these plates and the side stakes hold the frames against movement by the outwardly acting force component, and loss of power is avoided. The floor sheet clamps 50 and 53 have similar lugs on their inner ends, but for a different purpose, that of assuring good pressure contact of the clamps against the sheets. After the bottom and sides have been secured together, the now substantially complete body is lifted from the clamping fixture and carried to another location for further operations, as by means of traveling hoists, after exhaust of air under pressure from the hoses 45 to release the clamps and retraction of the pivoted frames so that the clamps clear the body parts. It will be evident that a car body or the like with sloping walls, when raised vertically as little as an inch, is entirely clear of the fixture. The welding of the body parts is completed and corner gusset plates and similar parts secured in place to connect the side and end sills and the side and end top chord members, the body mounted on tracks, operating equipment applied, and like additional operations carried out in any desired sequence to provide a completed car. Of course, other means than welds may be employed to secure the body parts together in the clamping fixture, and it is possible to obtain substantially complete and permanent securement of the parts.

The apparatus of this invention is not limited to the construction of car bodies with sloping sides and ends, it being obvious that bodies with sides and ends perpendicular to the bottom may be formed on a clamping fixture such as disclosed by merely changing the shape of the gage plates 15, locating plates 20, and supporting plates 30 to provide for vertical instead of inclined positioning of the side and end walls on the inner framework, and perhaps locating certain of the fixture parts somewhat difierently. Of course. other modifications of the clamping fixture may be made if desired, or in accordance'withthe design ofparticular car bodies 'or'the like.

The method of this invention, specifically, comprises the provision, as the major parts or components of the body and as separate su'bassemblies or structures, of a bottom including floor sheets and an underframe oonstruction o'f center sill and-cross members, body side walls inoluding'side sills, and body end walls including end sills, and the dispositionof a pair of side wall and a pair-of end wall structures in inverted position in the relation they are to have in the completed body, defining a substantially rectangular enclosure with the opposed walls of each pair converging'upwardly toward each other and "the adjacent walls engaging at the ends, the side and end sills being uppermost. The walls are then urged inwardly'to assure their .proper alignment and effect close contact of the engaging end portions, and'are tack-welded or otherwise partially secured together both inside and ioutside at the ends so as to be held in fixed relation. A bottom structure is inverted and disposed in inverted position supported on the sills of the connected walls, pressure is applied to clamp the bottom to the sills to prevent shifting and assure close contact therebetween,

and the bottom and sills are tack-welded or otherwise partially secured together along both the inner and outer surfaces to provide a substantially rigid body structure. The walls and bottom may then be wholly and permanently secured together, as by full welds. More broadly, the method of the invention contemplates the provision ofrthe separate bottom, side walls, and end walls of the :body and the support of the walls in inverted position in the relation they are to have in the finished body, in any desired relation to the vertical and with end portions thereof engaging at the corners, and the securement of the engaging end portions, either .partially or entirely. The bottom is supported in inverted position adjacent the upper portions of the walls in their inverted supported position, either before or after the securement of the walls to each other, and is secured to the upper wall portions, whether completely or only partially. Depending upon the manner of securement and the precision of fit of the parts, pressure may be applied to bring the parts into close engagement for securement and to clamp the same in properly aligned relation.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the formation of the bottom with the floor sheets, center sill, and cross members and the securement of the bottom to the walls by the floor sheets, since the underframe parts might be secured to the floor sheets after securement of the latter to the walls, or the underframe parts may be secured to the walls and the floor sheets later secured in place. Similarly, the side and end walls need not include all of the parts disclosed, one or more of the wall sheets, sills, and stakes or reinforcements being omitted from the subassembly if desired and applied after securement of the walls. If the side stakes are not secured on the side walls at the time of application of the bottom, or if they do not extend past the bottom of the side walls, locating means of any convenient construction may be provided to assure correct positioning of the bottom transversely of the fixture, as will be understood. Of course, other operations besides the securement of the parts positioned by the clamping fixture may be carried out while the body parts are supported therein, if desired.

What is claimed is:

1. A clamping fixture for holding in inverted position for securement to each other the walls and bottom of a vehicle body or the like, comprising a substantially rectangular framework including two parallel rows of uprights extending longitudinally of the fixture and spaced apart transversely of the fixture, said uprights being mounted on a horizontal base, a gage plate secured to the upper portion of each upright in a plane transverse of the fixture and extending upwardly above the upright and outwardly beyond the upright, said gage plates having horizontally aligned upper edge portions providing supporting surfaces and outwardly anddownwardly angled portions on their outer edges in substantially the .same plane providing gage surfaces for bodyside walls, positioning plates on the end uprights of both of said rows extending outwardly of the ends of the rows for locating body end walls and with their upper edges horizontally aligned with the upper edge portions ofsaid gage plates to serve as horizontal support surfaces, a plurality of vertical locating plates mounted on said base extending transversely of the fixture in the plane of each of said gage plates and having-'a cutout therein providing downwardly converging guide edge portions and an inclined edge portion extending in the plane of said angled edge portions of the adjacent gage plates and-a supporting edge portion substantially perpendicular to that plane spaced below said horizonta'l upper support surfaces -to support said side walls, a plurality of longitudinally extending verticalsupport plates at the ends of the framework each having a cut-away portion at its inner end providing a supporting :edge inclined inwardly and downwardly in substantial correspondence to said supporting edge portions of said locating plates and spaced below the level of theupper edges of said positioning plates to support said end walls, a locating stop at each side of the framework secured-to said base adjacent the transverse center of the framework for positioning the side walls longitudinally of theclamping fixture, a positioning stop supported outwardly'of one end of the framework for engagement by a body bottom structure to position the bottom longitudinally in theclamping fixture, an upstanding frame secured to said base supporting said positioning stop, a side frame at each side of the fixture in outwardly spaced relation to said framework and including a plurality of vertical members pivotally mounted on said base'to swing transversely of the fixture, a plurality of clamps pivotally mounted on each side frame disposed transversely of the framework in planes normal to the side frames and extending inwardly from the side frame to project above said framework in one position of the side frames and movable to a position outward of the framework, a pressing plate fixed adjacent each end of each side frame extending inwardly in parallel relation to the adjacent clamp to engage the body side walls on the framework, an end frame at each end of the fixture in outwardly spaced relation to the framework including a plurality of vertical members pivotally mounted on said base to swing longitudinally of the fixture, a plurality of clamps pivotally mounted on each end frame disposed longitudinally of the framework in planes normal to the end frames and extending inwardly from the end frames to project above the framework in one position of the. end frames and movable to a position outwardly of the ends of the framework, a pressing plate fixed adjacent each side of each end frame extending inwardly in parallel relation to the adjacent clamp to engage the body end walls on the framework, power means for swinging the side frames and end frames inwardly with said clamps overlying the framework and said pressing plates engaging the body side and end walls respectively and for swinging said frames outwardly from the framework, and means for operating said clamps to apply downward pressure on the body bottom structure supported on said framework.

2. A clamping fixture for holding in inverted position for securement to each other the walls and bottom of a vehicle body or the like, comprising a substantially rectangular framework including two parallel rows of uprights extending longitudinally of the fixture and spaced apart transversely of the fixture, said uprights being mounted on a horizontal base, a gage plate secured to the upper portion of each upright in a plane transverse of the fixture and extending upwardly above the upright and outwardly beyond the upright, said gage plates having horizontally aligned upper edge portions providing supporting surfaces and outwardly directed portions on their outer edges in substantially the same plane providing gage 11 surfaces for body side walls, positioning plates on the end uprights of both of said rows extending outwardly of the ends of the rows for locating'body end walls and with their upper edges horizontally aligned with the upper edge portions of said gage plates to serve as horizontal support surfaces, a plurality of vertical locating plates mounted on said base extending transversely of the fixture in the plane of each of said gage plates and having a cutout therein providing downwardly converging guide edge portions and an edge portion extending in the plane of said outwardly directed portions of the adjacent gage plates and a supporting edge portion substantially perpendicular to that plane spaced below said horizontal upper support surfaces to support said side walls, a plurality of longitudinally extending vertical support plates at the ends of the framework each having a cutaway portion at its inner end providing a supporting edge in substantial correspondence to said supporting edge portions of said locating plates and spaced below the level of the upper edges of said positioning plates to support said end walls, a locating stop at each side of the framework secured to said base adjacent one of said uprights for positioning the side walls longitudinally of the clamping fixture, a side frame at each side of the fixture 'in outwardly spaced relation to said framework and in eluding a plurality of vertical members pivotally mounted on said base to swing transversely of the fixture, a plurality of clamps pivotally mounted on each side frame disposed transversely of the framework in planes normal to the side frames and extending inwardly from the side frames to project above said framework in one position of the side frames and movable to a position outward of the framework, a pressing plate fixed on each side frame extending inwardly in parallel relation to an adjacent clamp to engage the body side walls on the framework, an end frame at ,each end of the fixture in outwardly spaced relation to the framework including a plurality of vertical members pivotally mounted on said base to swing longitudinally of the fixture, a plurality of clamps pivotally mounted on each end frame disposed longitudinally of the framework in planes normal to the end frames and extending inwardly from the end frames to project above the framework in one position of the end frames and movable to a position outwardly of the ends of the framework,'a pressing plate fixed on each end frame extending inwardly in parallel relation to an adjacent clamp to engage the body end walls on theframework, power means for swinging the side frames and end frames inwardly with said clamps overlying the framework and said pressing plates engaging the body side and end walls respectively and for swinging said frames outwardly from the framework, and means for operating said clamps to apply downward pressure on a body bottom structure supported on said framework.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,369,574 Sykes Feb. 22, 1921 1,425,296 Sykes et al Aug. 8, 1922 1,530,438 Sykes et al. -Q. Mar. 17, 1925 2,101,856 Hines Dec. 14, 1937 2,165,322 Weston July 11, 1939 2,304,493 Bullock Dec. 8, 1942 2,389,526 Maulding Nov. 20, 1945 2,405,793 Lohse Aug.- 13, 1946 2,522,037 Hall Sept.'12, 1950 2,537,350 Hunt Jan. 9, 1951 2,669,015 Schanz Feb. 16, 1954 

